Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices using a microphone near a source, embedded control codes, and the audio patterns from the network output devices. An optional, additional manual adjustment method relies on a graphical user interface for adjustment and audible pulses from the devices which are to be synchronized. Synchronization of the audio is accomplished with clock synchronization of the network output devices. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for leveraging resources on a computer network to view a file on a client computer written in a format unreadable by the client computer are provided. According to one method, the client computer receives a file in a source format unreadable by the client computer. The client computer broadcasts the format of the received file to a plurality of File Viewing Servers (FVSs) in the network. In response, the client computer receives from at least one of the FVSs a conversion rating, which indicates the respective FVS's ability to convert the source format of the file into a conversion format readable by the client computer. Upon receiving the conversion ratings from the FVSs, the client computer selects the FVS transmitting the highest conversion rating to convert the received file from the source format unreadable by the client computer into the conversion format readable by the client computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a local network comprising a plurality of interconnected computing devices that dynamically assigns a new Internet gateway server for the local network when the currently assigned Internet gateway is not connected to the local network and the Internet. Each one of the computing devices capable of connecting to the Internet is given a different connection priority, which indicates the desirability of assigning the respective computing device as the Internet gateway server. When a computing device in the local network is unable to access the Internet through the currently assigned Internet gateway server, the computing device broadcasts a message to the entire local network requesting to become the new Internet gateway server. The request to become the gateway includes the connection priority of the computing device.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing a backup of electronic data on a server appliance utilizing a plurality of client information handling systems in a network. The present invention provides a redundant, distributed backup of the server appliance suitable for use on an unmanaged network of client information handling systems. Portions of electronic data stored on the server appliance are transferred over the network and stored on the plurality of client information handling systems. The portions of the electronic data stored on the plurality of client information handling systems are suitable for restoring substantially all of the electronic data stored on the server appliance. Thus, an additional backup server is not required. Storage of an entire backup copy of the server appliance data on a medium or set of media, as well as administration of such a medium or set of media, are also not required.

Abstract: A method of setting acceptable content rating parameters for filtering content in a ratings-enabled media wherein the acceptable content rating parameters delimit the threshold content ratings levels of content that may be accessed by an information appliance is provided. Employing the present method, a user may set the acceptable content rating parameters of a content control system by blocking or unblocking example content provided by the information appliance, in order to control future access to content similar to the example content. In this manner, specific knowledge of the content ratings scheme employed, or the meaning of specific content ratings used by such a scheme is not required.

Abstract: A method of setting acceptable content rating parameters for filtering content in a ratings-enabled media wherein the acceptable content rating parameters delimit the threshold content ratings levels of content that may be accessed by an information appliance is provided. Employing the present method, a user may set the acceptable content rating parameters of a content control system by blocking or unblocking example content provided by the information appliance, in order to control future access to content similar to the example content. In this manner, specific knowledge of the content ratings scheme employed, or the meaning of specific content ratings used by such a scheme is not required.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing the playback of a digital audio broadcast on a plurality of network output devices using a microphone near a source, embedded control codes, and the audio patterns from the network output devices. An optional, additional manual adjustment method relies on a graphical user interface for adjustment and audible pulses from the devices which are to be synchronized. Synchronization of the audio is accomplished with clock synchronization of the network output devices. The digital audio broadcast from multiple receivers does not present to a listener any audible delay or echo effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for leveraging resources on a computer network to view a file on a client computer written in a format unreadable by the client computer are provided. According to one method, the client computer receives a file in a source format unreadable by the client computer. The client computer broadcasts the format of the received file to a plurality of File Viewing Servers (FVSs) in the network. In response, the client computer receives from at least one of the FVSs a conversion rating, which indicates the respective FVS's ability to convert the source format of the file into a conversion format readable by the client computer. Upon receiving the conversion ratings from the FVSs, the client computer selects the FVS transmitting the highest conversion rating to convert the received file from the source format unreadable by the client computer into the conversion format readable by the client computer.